SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED FROM ALABAMA POWER/B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two Alabama students were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship from B.A.S.S. and Alabama Power, the companies announced today.

Branson Linder of Grove Hill and Marlee Ellis of Brundidge were the recipients.

Linder is currently a freshman at Coastal Alabama Community College in Thomasville, Ala., seeking an associate’s degree in Electrical and Instrumental Technology, which teaches the maintenance of a facility’s electrical components.

In high school, Linder was a member of the Pine City Anglers and competed in the 2017 Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

“I was extremely excited and thankful to receive this scholarship,” said Linder. “I feel honored to have been chosen among the other people who applied.”

Ellis, a senior at Zion Chapel High School, has maintained a 3.5 grade point average in honors classes while being an active member in the school band. She plans to attend Wallace Community College in Dothan, Ala., and pursue an associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology.

“When I received the email stating that I won the scholarship, I was shocked,” said Ellis. “But I began to realize how blessed I am, and how much this scholarship is going to help me in advancing my education.”

Applications were open to students currently attending, or planning to attend, a technical school in the state of Alabama.

“We are proud to partner with B.A.S.S. to recognize the efforts of student athletes in the classroom,” said Zeke Smith, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Alabama Power and Chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council. “Together, we are partnering to support the next generation of skilled trades in Alabama. Congratulations Branson and Marlee for this recognition of their academic achievements.”

The recipients are able to use the award toward tuition, textbooks or living expenses.

“We are happy that Alabama Power shares in our interests to support students who want to further their education in a trade,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “This program directly targets some of our student anglers and allows us to offer even more scholarships. Our offers through 2017 will now total more than $126,000.”

Applications for the 2018-2019 school year will open in early 2018. Visit Bassmaster.com for details.